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The Art of the Japanese Sword: The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation

Yoshindo Yoshihara, Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp · 1 HN comments
HN Books has aggregated all Hacker News stories and comments that mention "The Art of the Japanese Sword: The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation" by Yoshindo Yoshihara, Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp.
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Amazon Summary
In The Art of the Japanese Sword, master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara offers a detailed look at the entire process of Japanese sword making, including the finishing and appreciation of Japanese blades.Japanese sword art stands out in many ways: functionality as a weapon, sophisticated metallurgy and metalsmithing, the shape of the blade itself--all contribute to the beauty of these remarkable weapons. The Art of the Japanese Sword conveys to the reader Japanese samurai sword history and Japanese sword care, as well as explaining how to view and appreciate a blade. With 256 full-color pages, this sword book illustrates in meticulous detail how modern craftsmen use traditional methods to prepare their steel, forge the sword and create the unique hardened edge. By gaining a good understanding of how a sword is made, the reader will be able to appreciate the samurai sword more fully. Topics include: Appreciating the Japanese swordHistory of the Japanese swordTraditional Japanese steelmakingMaking the swordFinishing the sword
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Hacker News Stories and Comments

All the comments and stories posted to Hacker News that reference this book.
Yeah, There are all kinds of cross sections on high quality Japanese sword blades. Or rather simple ones, no way every foot soldier had a 20 times folded, 4 section (or whatever that is actually called) perfectly polished and heat treated blade.

Actually, come think of it, there are contemporary sources decribing how to straighten bent blades on the battlefield over some rock to continue fighting.

If you are interessted, there is a book on that topic (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Japanese-Sword-Swordmaking-Apprec..., Amazon was the first result that came up), it is really comprehensive covers everything from raw Tamahagane to the scabard, including guidance on polishing and heat treatment. Can only recommmend it! Buy the hard copy so, the eBook is unreadable.

chipsa
Generally speaking, foot soldiers didn't have swords at all. Most of them were given a much cheaper to make spear.
hef19898
Through out the ages every soldier carried a dagger, a sword and a main weapon. All made cheap if course. The sword is a side arm, basically serving the same purpose pistols do in the military today. A spear is also so much better on a battlefield, can be used in formation, has surperior reach and is cheaper to make.
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